Sticking power

Some foreign bankers may be leaving amid nuclear fears but most will return, barring unimaginable catastrophe. Finance is more mobile than in past but despite language barriers and red tape, Japan’s strength is underpinned by liquid markets and colossal domestic savings.

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Sixteen banks signed a statement from Japan's International Bankers' Association on March 15 saying that they would continue business as usual, despite fears of radiation caused by a earthquakehit nuclear power plant in the country's northeast.

The banks, including the Japanese arms of Citi, Goldman Sachs, HSBC and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said that "despite rumours to the contrary, none of the undersigned firms has announced any business closures or evacuation of staff".

By March 17, governments from Britain to South Korea had begun to advise citizens to leave Japan or avoid unnecessary travel to the country. The U.S. State Department said it had chartered aircraft to help Americans leave some cities.